“A writer whose voice is unabashedly his own, deeply authentic and subversive...”
Father of three, maître d’ to the stars, founder of an iconic drag bar, always fabulous, Pasi Daniells Silva was a character born for the big stage. He was a raconteur of tall tales, his dancing was full of flair and his presence was larger than life.
Victor Rodger ONZM (Sāmoa: Iva; Scotland: Broughty Ferry) has written an affectionate love letter to his Uncle Pasi. Full of sass and wit, featuring both Grindr and God, this biography doesn’t shy away from the darker side of the mirror ball.
As Pasi approaches his 90th birthday, his nephew Levi presses him for all the stories from his long and unlikely life, having sashayed from Vaiala to Vegas, Hawai'i to Wellington. Whether he’s bossing around the queens at Les Girls, or finding peace with his three sons, Semu Filipo (Sāmoa: Fetausi, Safotulafai. Vailoa, Palauli. Tokelau: Fakaofo, Nukunonu, Atafu) (O le Pepelo, le Gaoi, ma le Pala'ai, Things That Matter) gives an utterly hilarious and deeply touching performance.
Directed by Anapela Polata'ivao ONZM (Sāmoa: Vailoa Faleata, Vaiusu, Fagae'e Safune), whose projects in 2026 included Sons of Vao and Silo Theatre’s A View from the Bridge, this will be a celebration of the most unlikely Sāmoan man of his generation.
Watch the interview with Semu Filipo & Victor Rodger
Event and Ticketing Details
Duration
2 hours, including interval.
Advisory
Contains strong language, sexual references and haze.
Accessible performances
Relaxed – Sat 13 Mar 7:00pm
Comfortable and inclusive, especially for autistic and neurodivergent audiences.
NZSL-interpreted – Sat 13 Mar 7:00pm
Interpreted by Platform Interpreting NZ, working with the cast, crew and a Deaf community advisor.
Book via our d/Deaf friendly form
Audio-described – Sun 14 Mar 4:00pm
Preceded by a Touch Tour at 2:30pm. Audio described by Audio Described Aotearoa.